Edaville's wild world of Dinoland features more than 20 life-sized dinosaurs

Thursday

Jul 3, 2014 at 9:00 AM

Dinoland is a self-guided walk set up along a horseshoe-shaped path built into a new, tree-covered corner of the Edaville's campus.

By Dana BarbutoThe Patriot Ledger

Make no bones about it, pint-sized paleontologists are going to dig the new Dinoland at Edaville Railroad.

The exhibit includes an expansive experience, with more than 20 moving, roaring, life-sized dinosaurs on display.

“It’s like Jurassic Park,” said Lindsay Smith of Norwell, visiting with her two dinosaur-loving sons.

At the head of the dirt-covered trail, a Stegosaurus greets guests who are about to set course on a prehistoric adventure.

“Is that a real dinosaur?” 4-year-old Ryan Smith asked his mom.

Dinoland is a self-guided walk set up along a horseshoe-shaped path built into a new, tree-covered corner of the Edaville’s campus. It’s completely shaded and mist is pumped through the area, making it feel cool on a hot summer’s day. Visitors will pass a Pteranodon, come face to face with a pair of Triceratops and see a baby Deinonychus and a baby Tyrannosaurus. The finale is a giant, 70-foot tall T-Rex who roars like Godzilla.

Edaville cast members wearing paleontologist hats and vests share dino facts, such as the T-Rex has long teeth because it doesn’t tear its meat. It slices it. It’s like hanging with Dino Dan from the Nick Jr. TV series.

“I would have loved this place as a kid,” said Bobby McGrann, an Edaville cast member greeting guests along the trail.

Science might consider dinosaurs to be scary and nasty creatures, but the beasts residing in Dinoland are pretty tame and kid-friendly. A sign warns: “Please stay behind the ropes. It’s not dinner time.” Another reads: “Please don’t feed the dinosaurs your brother or sister.” That’s about as edgy as it gets.

A satellite gift shop selling dino books, puzzles, games, figurines, T-shirts, and so on, is set up next to the exit. Be prepared to diffuse a meltdown or shell out $8 for a small stuffed T-Rex.

Located to the left of the train depot, Dinoland opened last weekend. It’s one of many park enhancements planned at Edaville. A Thomas the Tank Engine theme park, the first in the U.S., is expected to open next summer. Bumper boats, a water roller-coaster and Go-Karts are also coming next year.

Dana Barbuto may be reached at dbarbuto@ledger.com or follow her on Twitter @dbarbuto_Ledger.